How to Shade Your Deck or Patio

Sun-blocking solutions like a patio awning that let you enjoy your deck or patio all day long.

Deck too hot? Learn about shade solutions for your deck or patio, from large canopies and a patio awning to a DIY awning and shade alternatives and inexpensive partial sun blockers. Keep your deck cooler and screen out harmful ultraviolet rays.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

You might also like: TBD

Time

Multi-day

Complexity

Moderate

Cost

Varies

Canopy patio awnings block sun and rain

Canopy patio awning

One of the most popular patio shade ideas, a canopy patio awning is permanently installed, but the fabric on most shade awnings is removable.

A backyard canopy patio awning or patio shade screen is a fabric-roofed structures supported by a freestanding, rigid frame that’s bolted to your deck. The patio awning frame becomes a permanent part of your deck, and you can either leave the fabric up year-round or remove it seasonally. The fabric on a backyard canopy like this should last about 15 years.

The shade awnings are available in two roof styles (a hip roof and a pyramid roof) and several colors. You can install outdoor lighting on the framework to illuminate your deck or patio awning.

Pros: A backyard canopy patio awning is also good for full shading of compact decks or partial shading of larger decks. The patio shade cloth is resistant to tears and won’t sag. The fabric and structure can withstand rain, hail and strong winds (although the company recommends removing the shade cloth if a hurricane is imminent). Since it’s a permanent structure that doesn’t retract, the patio canopy has no moving parts that can jam or break.

Cons: Unlike retractable options, a canopy patio shade awning doesn’t offer a convenient way to let in the sun (removing the fabric on shade awnings requires two people and takes a few minutes). Also, the columns may not blend well with the deck style and can become obstructions on some deck layouts.

Build your own DIY awning or shade structure: Patio Shade Ideas

Backyard Canopy Pergola

For a partial-shade solution, build your own pergola and then train vines to grow over it.

Covered deck

For protection from sun and rain, cover a timber frame with awning fabric or roofing material.

For seamless patio shade ideas, check these out. If you want a shade structure that naturally blends both in size and style with your deck or patio, build your own pergola or patio shade awning structure. Cover the pergola with awning fabric, or plant vines to create a green, living shelter. Vines covering a trellis alongside the pergola will also block the rising or setting sun. A pergola made from inexpensive treated lumber and then stained can look great and still cost less than manufactured options.

Retractable awnings let you choose sunshine or shade

Retractable awning with support arm

Large retractable awnings need a diagonal support arm.

Retractable deck and patio awning with hidden supports

Some smaller awnings use hidden lateral arms for support.

Deck and Patio Shade Awning in retracted position

Use a hand or motorized crank to retract the awning.

Retractable awnings consist of a metal framework covered with shade fabric, and they are one of the most popular patio shade ideas. The framework mounts directly on the side of your house. Some models have diagonal support arms. Others eliminate that obstruction with hidden “lateral” arms. You can open and retract the awning either manually with a hand crank or with a motorized system.

Pros: Retractable awnings provide instant shade or quickly roll up when you don’t need them. You don’t have to take them down—no storage hassles. They don’t require you to build a permanent structure on the deck. Attach vertical screens to the extended awning to block the sun when its low in the sky.

Cons: Retractable awnings are up to 20 ft. wide but only extend about 10 ft., so they won’t completely shade most decks. Also, strong winds can damage the awning framework if you leave the awnings open in strong winds (manufacturers recommend closing them when not in use).

Installation: While we don’t recommend this as a do-it-yourself project for novices, a homeowner with basic carpentry skills could complete the job with a helper (the awnings are too heavy to set in place by yourself). The awning can be installed on any type of siding. The brackets must be mounted to framing members to support the weight of the awning. You’ll need the appropriate clearance between the decking and the eave, gutter or overhang (usually a minimum of about 7 ft.), and clearance from light fixtures and electrical outlets.

Low-cost options for awnings

Portable shade canopy

Portable shade canopies only take a few minutes to set up, and they are a super-simple option for patio shade ideas. You can move them wherever you want shade. The lightweight structures are essentially tents with four posts. Find them at home centers.

Sunshade

Sunshades fasten directly to the deck railing. They’re good for blocking the rising or setting sun, which overhead structures miss. They’re available in 6- or 8-ft. wide models. Check the internet for suppliers.

A wide variety of less expensive canopies, screened tents and shades are also available at home centers and online. The following photos show a few options.

A “Green” Option: Shade with Trees and Plants

Large planters with trees provide shade and bring greenery onto the deck. Evergreens are a good choice. They look and smell nice, and grow tall enough to provide shade (at least when the sun isn’t directly overhead). When filled with soil, these planters tend to be heavy. Limit the size to what you can move around. Set planters along the edge of the deck to serve as a sun screen. In cold climates, trees may not survive winter in a planter—ask before you buy.

For even more shade, plant trees in the ground around the deck. Maple trees are one good choice because they have dense foliage for blocking the sun and are fast growing, so you won’t have to wait 20 to 30 years to reap the benefits. Ask about other choices at a local nursery. In many ways, trees are the best shade system because they can shade large areas, provide privacy and beautify your yard. The downside is you have to wait several years for results.

Retractable canopies offer maximum versatility

Partially open retractable canopy

Retractable canopies are versatile systems that can be partially or completely closed or open.

Retractable canopy on wooden posts

Backyard canopy systems can be installed on wooden framing to blend in with an existing deck.

Retractable canopies are large shading structures built over the deck and mounted to the house and decking. They provide one of the most customizable patio shade ideas. The shading fabric slides open and closed along overhead tracks. You can retract each canopy independently of the others. The best time to choose these systems is when you’re planning a new deck, so you can incorporate the support posts into the design.

Pros: With structures up to 21 ft. long and nearly 27 ft. wide, the wooden canopy systems will cover almost any size deck. Each canopy is retractable, and it’s the only system that allows the canopies to be partially retracted, giving you more control over your shade. More than 40 fabric colors are available to match your home’s decor. Block sun (and increase privacy) along the sides by fastening vertical blinds to the overhead structure.

Cons: You can install the canopies on existing decks, but the support posts may not look consistent with your current decking materials and could become obstructions. The overhead structure and posts stay in place even when the canopy is retracted.

Installation: Although retractable canopies are preassembled (precut and predrilled), installation is not for a beginning do-it-yourselfer. Brackets are mounted to your siding and the posts to your decking, and you need to measure accurately before ordering the parts. But if you have some carpentry skills, you should be able to handle the job. Otherwise, hire a professional installer recommended by the manufacturer. Aluminum or vinyl systems are available. You can also buy only the canopy system and build your own wooden structure to support it.

Required Tools for this Project

Most awnings and canopies are installed with standard hand and power tools.

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time and check out other patio projects other than a patio awning. Here’s a list.